Breaking News: Wild President & GM Doug Risebrough Relieved of Duties

According to Wild.com, in a note written by Wild owner Craig Leopold, Wild President and General Manager Doug Risebrough will not have his contract re-newed beyond this season.

"I cannot begin to thank Doug enough for all that he has done for this organization over the past nine years."

"When he arrived he brought instant credibility, expertise and extraordinary work ethic to an expansion franchise in desperate need of those things. He then worked tirelessly to build the Minnesota Wild into one of the premier franchises in the NHL."

Although it is easy to blame former head coach Jacques Lemaire for the trap style game play, ultimately it was Risebrough's call.

This is big news for the Minnesota Wild franchise who now seems to be receiving a complete makeover before the start of the 2009-2010 regular season.

For fans, this may mean that they will finally get the more offensive minded coach they have been waiting for.

Yes, this is a bold move by Leopold, but Wild fans should trust this man for a few reasons.

Craig Leopold was the former owner of the Nashville Predators and under his ownership guided the team to a deep playoff run two years ago. Acquiring big names such as Paul Kariya and Peter Forsberg, Leopold was making the move to win a Stanley Cup.

"The search for a new General Manager will begin immediately. The first order of business for the incoming General Manager will be to select the next Head Coach."

In the end, Craig Leopold thanked Risebrough for all his hard work.

"So much of our success—on and off the ice—is directly attributable to Doug’s leadership and his legacy will remain evident for years to come in the aura of success and winning tradition that defines this place. I know that [fans] will join me in wishing Doug and his family the very best."

Risebrough was the franchise's first General Manager, and were teammates with current Wild Assistant coach Mario Trembley in Montreal back in the late 1970's.

On behalf of Wild fans, we wish Doug the very best of luck in the future and thank you for putting the Minnesota Wild on the map in the NHL.